How Drew Barrymore Got Into Acting
From Child Star to Hollywood Icon: The Journey of Drew Barrymore
(By Carmichael Phillip)
The Early Years: A Family Legacy in Hollywood
Drew Barrymore was born on February 22, 1975, into one of the most famous acting families in Hollywood. The Barrymore family’s history in cinema dates back to the silent film era, with Drew’s great-grandfather, Maurice Barrymore, and her grandfather, Lionel Barrymore, being iconic figures in film and theater. Her father, John Barrymore Jr., and her aunt, Diana Barrymore, also had significant careers in the entertainment industry. Despite her family’s Hollywood legacy, Drew’s journey into acting was anything but ordinary.
Growing up in such an environment could be overwhelming for many, but Drew embraced the world of acting from an early age. At just six years old, she was cast in her first major film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), directed by Steven Spielberg. This film would become a defining moment in her life, catapulting her into international fame as the lovable Gertie, the young sister of Elliott (played by Henry Thomas).
“I didn’t even know what fame was at the time. I was just a little girl doing a movie with E.T. It was pure magic. I never could have imagined how much my life would change because of that movie,” Drew later recalled in an interview with People.
Struggles with Fame and Childhood Challenges
While E.T. made Drew a household name, it also brought an overwhelming amount of fame that a young child was not prepared for. The pressures of growing up in the spotlight, combined with her family’s own struggles with addiction, made Drew’s childhood years challenging.
By the time she was nine, Drew was dealing with issues that many adults couldn’t handle. She had become addicted to alcohol, and by the time she was 12, she was sent to a rehabilitation center for the first time. In her memoir, Little Girl Lost (1990), Drew openly discussed her turbulent childhood, including her battle with addiction and the pressures of being thrust into the limelight at such a young age.
“I felt like I was living in a fishbowl,” she wrote. “Everything I did was watched, everything I said was scrutinized. I didn’t know who I was anymore. I didn’t know what it meant to be a child.”
Despite these struggles, Drew’s love for acting never wavered. Even during her personal battles, she continued to work in film and television, though it wasn’t until she reached her late teens that she truly found her footing again, both personally and professionally.
A Comeback in Hollywood: Redefining Herself
As Drew entered her late teens, she started to regain control of her life. After spending time in rehabilitation and going through a process of self-reflection, Drew came back to acting with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity. She took on more diverse and complex roles, which helped her redefine herself as an adult actress.
In 1992, she starred in the film Poison Ivy, where she played a seductive and dangerous teenage girl. This marked a turning point in her career, as she began to break free from the typecast roles that had been assigned to her as a child star. Drew was no longer the innocent, lovable girl from E.T.; she had transformed into a more nuanced, complex figure on screen.
“I think people were surprised by how different I was as an adult actress,” Drew said in an interview with The New York Times. “They were used to seeing me as this girl from E.T., but I wanted to prove I was more than that. I wanted to show that I had range, that I could handle complex characters.”
Achieving Stardom in the 1990s: A Shift in Roles
In the mid-1990s, Drew Barrymore’s career reached new heights. She starred in a string of successful films, including The Wedding Singer (1998), where she played Julia Sullivan opposite Adam Sandler. The film was a hit, and Drew’s performance as the lovable, quirky character earned her widespread acclaim. The film’s success marked the beginning of a new era for Drew, as she became known for her comedic timing and charm.
“The Wedding Singer was one of those projects that felt like it just clicked,” Drew shared with Entertainment Weekly. “I had so much fun making it, and it was a great opportunity to show people that I had grown up from the ‘little girl lost’ phase and could really hold my own in a romantic comedy.”
In the same decade, Drew also starred in the hugely popular Charlie’s Angels franchise, alongside Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu. Her role as the carefree, fearless angel, Natalie Cook, became iconic and cemented Drew’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. She continued to mix both comedy and action in films like 50 First Dates (2004), where she once again starred opposite Adam Sandler.
Expanding Her Career: Producing and Directing
By the early 2000s, Drew Barrymore had established herself as a successful actress, but she didn’t stop there. In addition to her acting career, Drew began to explore behind-the-scenes roles, becoming a producer and later a director. In 2004, she founded her own production company, Flower Films, and produced a number of films, including Never Been Kissed (1999), 50 First Dates (2004), and He’s Just Not That Into You (2009).
“I always wanted to have a hand in shaping the films I worked on, not just be in front of the camera. Flower Films was my way of making that happen,” Drew explained to Variety.
Drew’s interest in directing culminated in 2009 when she directed the critically acclaimed film Whip It, a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who discovers the world of roller derby. The film was a departure from the romantic comedies Drew had become known for, showcasing her ability to handle a different genre. The film was well-received, and Drew’s work as a director was praised by critics.
“I loved the process of directing. It was a different kind of challenge, but one that felt very natural for me,” Drew said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I’ve always been a storyteller at heart.”
Drew’s Legacy: From Actress to Talk Show Host
In addition to her film career, Drew Barrymore has continued to evolve, embracing new roles in the entertainment industry. In 2020, she launched The Drew Barrymore Show, a daytime talk show that allowed her to connect with audiences in an entirely new way. The show’s success was a testament to Drew’s ability to adapt and reinvent herself, just as she had done many times before in her career.
As a talk show host, Drew has charmed audiences with her warmth, humor, and relatability. “I’ve always loved connecting with people, and a talk show was the perfect way for me to do that,” Drew said of her new role. “I’ve learned so much about myself through this experience, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career.”
Reflection on a Lifetime in the Spotlight
Drew Barrymore’s life in the entertainment industry has been anything but ordinary. From her early days as a child star in E.T. to her ongoing work as a talk show host, Drew has continually reinvented herself and proved that she is more than just the sum of her famous family legacy.
Reflecting on her journey, Drew has often spoken about how her experiences, both good and bad, have shaped the person she is today. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Drew shared: “I’ve been through so much in my life, but I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s made me who I am. It’s given me strength, and I think it’s what has helped me connect with people on a deeper level.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Reinvention
Drew Barrymore’s journey into acting, along with her rise to fame, has been a story of resilience, transformation, and determination. Through the challenges of her youth, the triumphs of her career, and her ongoing efforts to reinvent herself, Drew has become a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Her ability to navigate the complexities of fame, addiction, and personal growth has made her an inspiration to countless fans and aspiring actors. As she continues to evolve in her career, there is no doubt that Drew Barrymore’s legacy will remain one of Hollywood’s most enduring success stories.
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